4 tips to get internet access while traveling

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Does the idea of traveling without being able to frequently check your e-mails, share pictures on social networks, make a reservation or update your travel blog sound unthinkable? Having an internet connection while traveling is often very useful. Though web access opportunities can be somewhat uneven across countries, different solutions are available. Discover 4 tips to stay connected when traveling!

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Make the most of free Wi-Fi

The number of free Wi-Fi hotspots keeps increasing in many parts of the world. Usually located in public areas such as train stations, cafes, parks, restaurants or fast food restaurants, these Wi-Fi hotspots allow you to connect to the Internet from a smartphone, a computer or a tablet. To take a look at your e-mails abroad, enjoy a coffee break!

In some cases, no login and password will be required. When you need to fill out a login form, free connection will often be limited in time.

Use pay Wi-Fi hotspots

There still are many pay Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in hotels and campgrounds. In some places of accommodation, free Wi-Fi is sometimes only available in well-defined areas, such as the main lobby. Can’t imagine spending a night in a hotel without being able to use the internet? Be prepared to pay to surf the web.

Are your kids hogging the tablet to chat over Facebook while you are keeping up with your friends on Skype? To be able to use different devices at once without having to pay several times, bring a travel router. Another positive aspect: you can easily secure your connection.

Run to an internet cafe

What if you don’t have a laptop or are in an area where there are no wireless networks? Go to the nearest internet cafe! Though you can find one just about anywhere in the world, in some developing countries most people actually rely almost exclusively on cybercafes to access the internet. You might need to be extra patient in some cases as connection can sometimes be very slow. Remember to pay particular attention to safety: always sign out of all your personal accounts when leaving a public computer.

Get a USG 3G stick

Sometimes you just need internet right away but cannot find a hotspot. This is why some travelers use their cell phone a few times to get an internet connection abroad, and run up an enormous bill! To avoid unpleasant surprises, disable data usage abroad before leaving. Upon arrival, purchase a prepaid USB 3G stick. Before selecting a plan, make sure you check its validity period and the data allowance. To begin surfing, plug the USB 3G stick into your laptop or tablet!

Before going abroad, you made sure to check you had all the required travel documents. Shortly after reaching your destination, you encounter an unpleasant surprise: your passport seems to have disappeared.